An aerosol-generating device and system having a means for regulating visual characteristics of a light emitter

ABSTRACT

A system is provided, including: an aerosol-generating device arranged to interact with a tobacco stick and/or comprising a charging device associated with an aerosol-generating device, in which the aerosol-generating device and/or the charging device include at least one light emitter, a controller to adjust at least one visual characteristic of light emitted by the at least one light emitter based on a local time retrieved from a timer, and a communication interface to exchange data with a mobile terminal, the data including instructions for adjusting the at least one visual characteristic; and the mobile terminal to display a user interface for inputting the instructions, in which the instructions include a time setting, and in which the user interface includes a first user interface element for inputting the time setting.

The present disclosure relates to the automatic regulation of visualcharacteristics of light emitters.

Aerosol-generating devices and systems often comprise light emitters,such as light-emitting diodes, that provide information to a user. Forexample, the visual characteristics of the light emitters may indicate astatus of a device. Specific colors of light emitted by the lightemitters, flashing and patterns generated by the light emitters may beassociated with a charging status, an operational status, an errorstatus and so on.

It would be desirable to provide a means for the visual characteristicsof the light emitters to be adjusted automatically in order to improve auser’s experience of interacting with the device and to improveefficiency.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided asystem comprising a device, wherein the device comprises at least onelight emitter unit and a control module. The control module may beconfigured to adjust at least one visual characteristic of light emittedby the at least one light emitter unit based on at least one of: ameasured light intensity value and a local time retrieved from a timer.The device may be an aerosol-generating device and/or a charging deviceassociated with an aerosol-generating device.

By adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of light emitted bythe at least one light emitter unit based on at least one of a measuredlight intensity value and a local time retrieved from a timer, thesystem is able to automatically adjust the at least one visualcharacteristic when the adjustment is required without requiring manualinput.

The device may further comprise a communication interface configured toexchange data with a mobile terminal, the data comprising instructionsfor adjusting the at least one visual characteristic. Exchanging datawith a mobile terminal may comprise receiving the instructions from themobile terminal. The control module may be configured to adjust the atleast one visual characteristic of light emitted by the at least onelight emitter unit based on the instructions.

Thus, the system is able to automatically adjust the at least one visualcharacteristic when the adjustment is required even if the mobileterminal is not paired with the control module at the time theadjustment is required.

The system may further comprise the mobile terminal. The mobile terminalmay be configured to display a user interface for inputting theinstructions. The instructions may comprise a time setting and the userinterface may include a first user interface element for inputting thetime setting. The control module may be configured to adjust the atleast one visual characteristic of the at least one light emitter unitwhen the local time retrieved from the timer corresponds to the timesetting.

The first user interface element may be a time picker or a date and timepicker.

The first user interface element may comprise a first interactiveelement and a second interactive element arranged to enable a user todefine a first period of time and a second period of time by moving thefirst interactive element and the second interactive element relative toeach other. The first period of time may be associated with a firstvisual characteristic and the second period of time is associated with asecond visual characteristic. The first user interface element mayfurther comprise a circular element, and wherein the first interactiveelement and the second interactive element are configured to be moveablerelative to each other along a circular path about the center of thecircular element.

The first user interface element comprising the circular element whereinthe first interactive element and the second interactive element areconfigured to be moveable relative to each other along a circular pathabout the center of the circular element allows for the inputting oftime settings using a smooth physical movement. This is particularlyadvantageous on smaller mobile terminals, such as mobile phones, where auser may use one hand to hold the mobile phone and one finger or thumbto interact with the user interface.

The time setting may comprise an event associated with a time of day.The event may be a sunrise, a sunset or a calendar event. The time ofday may be obtained from a calendar application based on the event.

Adjusting at least one visual characteristic may comprise at least oneof adjusting a brightness characteristic of the at least one lightemitter unit, adjusting a color of light emitted by the at least onelight emitter unit, and changing a flashing pattern of light emitted bythe at least one light emitter unit.

The instructions may comprise a visual characteristic setting foradjusting the at least one visual characteristic, and wherein the userinterface includes a second user interface element for inputting thevisual characteristic setting. The control module may adjust the atleast one visual characteristic based on the visual characteristicsetting. The visual characteristic setting may be a brightness setting.The second user interface element may be a slider.

The at least one light emitter unit may comprise a single light emitter.The at least one light emitter unit may comprise two or more lightemitters. Adjusting at least one visual characteristic of the lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit may comprise changing apattern of light displayed by the two or more light emitters. The lightemitter may be a light emitting diode, LED.

Adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of the light emitted bythe at least one light emitter unit based on a measured light intensityvalue may comprise adjusting the at least one visual characteristic ofthe at least one light emitter unit when the measured light intensityvalue is above or below a predetermined threshold value.

When the measured light intensity value is above the predeterminedthreshold value, adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of thelight emitted by the at least one light emitter unit may compriseincreasing the brightness of the at least one light emitter unit.

Increasing the brightness of the at least one light emitter unit whenthe measured light intensity value is above the predetermined thresholdvalue provides the advantage that the light emitter unit may be morevisible to the user, meaning that the status of the system may bemonitored more easily even when the ambient light is bright.

When the measured light intensity value is below the predeterminedthreshold value, adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of thelight emitted by the at least one light emitter unit may comprisedecreasing the brightness of the at least one light emitter unit.

Decreasing the brightness of the at least one light emitter unit whenthe measured light intensity value is below the predetermined thresholdvalue provides the advantage that the light emitter unit is remainsvisible to the user for monitoring the status of the system, but at thesame time the light does not disturb the user at night.

The measured light intensity value may be based on an average lightintensity measured by over a predetermined amount of time.

The exchanging data with the mobile terminal may further comprisesending, to the mobile terminal, usage information relating to usage ofat least one of the aerosol-generating device and the charging device.The usage information may comprise information relating to the usage ofthe aerosol-generating device and/or the charging device.

The mobile terminal may comprise a processing module configured togenerate the instructions for adjusting the at least one visualcharacteristic based on the usage information. Generating theinstructions may comprise computing a time setting based on the usageinformation. Generating the instructions may comprise inputting at leastone of one or more time settings, one or more visual characteristicsettings and the usage information into a trained classifier.

The aerosol-generating device and/or the charging device may furthercomprise a light sensor for measuring the light intensity. The mobileterminal may comprise a light sensor for measuring the light intensity.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of adjusting atleast one visual characteristic of light emitted by the at least onelight emitter unit of an aerosol-generating device and/or a chargingdevice associated with an aerosol-generating device. The method maycomprise adjusting, by a control module, at least one visualcharacteristic of light emitted by the at least one light emitter unitbased on at least one of: a measured light intensity value and a localtime retrieved from a timer.

The method may further comprise exchanging data with a mobile terminalvia a communication interface, the data comprising instructions foradjusting the at least one visual characteristic. Exchanging data with amobile terminal may comprise receiving the instructions from the mobileterminal.

The method may further comprise adjusting, by the control module, the atleast one visual characteristic of light emitted by the at least onelight emitter unit based on the instructions.

The method may further comprise displaying, by the mobile terminal, auser interface for inputting the instructions. The instructions maycomprise a time setting and the user interface may include a first userinterface element for inputting the time setting.

Adjusting at least one visual characteristic of light emitted by the atleast one light emitter unit based on a local time retrieved from atimer may comprises adjusting the at least one visual characteristic ofthe at least one light emitter unit when the local time retrieved fromthe timer corresponds to the time setting.

The first user interface element may be a time picker or a date and timepicker.

The first user interface element may comprise a first interactiveelement and a second interactive element arranged to enable a user todefine a first period of time and a second period of time by moving thefirst interactive element and the second interactive element relative toeach other. The first period of time may be associated with a firstvisual characteristic and the second period of time is associated with asecond visual characteristic. The first user interface element mayfurther comprise a circular element, and wherein the first interactiveelement and the second interactive element are configured to be moveablerelative to each other along a circular path about the center of thecircular element.

The time setting may comprise an event associated with a time of day.The event may be sunrise, sunset or a calendar event. The time of daymay be obtained from a calendar application based on the event.

Adjusting at least one visual characteristic may comprises at least oneof adjusting a brightness characteristic of the at least one lightemitter unit, adjusting a color of light emitted by the at least onelight emitter unit, and changing a flashing pattern of light emitted bythe at least one light emitter unit.

The instructions may comprise a visual characteristic setting foradjusting the at least one visual characteristic, and the user interfacemay include a second user interface element for inputting the visualcharacteristic setting.

The method may further comprise adjusting the at least one visualcharacteristic based on the visual characteristic setting.

The visual characteristic setting may be a brightness setting. Thesecond user interface element may be a slider.

The at least one light emitter unit may comprise a single light emitter.

The at least one light emitter unit may comprise two or more lightemitters. Adjusting at least one visual characteristic of the lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit may comprise changing apattern of light displayed by the two or more light emitters.

The light emitter may be a light emitting diode.

Adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of the light emitted bythe at least one light emitter unit based on a measured light intensityvalue may comprise adjusting the at least one visual characteristic ofthe at least one light emitter unit when the measured light intensityvalue is above or below a predetermined threshold value.

When the measured light intensity value is above the predeterminedthreshold value, adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of thelight emitted by the at least one light emitter unit may compriseincreasing the brightness of the at least one light emitter unit.

When the measured light intensity value is below the predeterminedthreshold value, adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of thelight emitted by the at least one light emitter unit comprisesdecreasing the brightness of the at least one light emitter unit.

The measured light intensity value may be based on an average lightintensity measured over a predetermined amount of time.

The exchanging data with the mobile terminal may further comprisesending, to the mobile terminal, usage information relating to usage ofat least one of the aerosol-generating device and the charging device.The usage information may comprise information relating to the usage ofthe aerosol-generating device and/or the charging device.

The method may further comprise generating the instructions foradjusting the at least one visual characteristic based on the usageinformation. Generating the instructions may comprise computing a timesetting based on the usage information. Generating the instructions maycomprise inputting at least one of one or more time settings, one ormore visual characteristic settings and the usage information into atrained classifier. The method may further comprise measuring, by alight sensor of the aerosol-generating device and/or the chargingdevice, the light intensity.

The method may further comprise measuring, by a light sensor of themobile terminal, the light intensity.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer-readablestorage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon,which, when executed by a processor, perform the method described above.

According to another aspect, there is provided a use of a light sensoror a timer to control a visual characteristic of at least one lightemitter unit of an aerosol-generating device or of a charging deviceassociated with an aerosol-generating device, by adjusting at least onevisual characteristic of light emitted by the at least one light emitterunit based on a value of light intensity measured by the light sensor orbased on a time output by a timer.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating device” refers to a devicethat interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.An aerosol-generating device may interact with one or both of anaerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, anda capsule comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. In some examples, theaerosol-generating device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate tofacilitate release of volatile compounds from the substrate. Anelectrically operated aerosol-generating device may comprise anatomizer, such as an electric heater, to heat the aerosol-formingsubstrate to form an aerosol.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to anarticle comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable ofreleasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Anaerosol-generating article may be disposable. An aerosol-generatingarticle comprising an aerosol-forming substrate comprising tobacco maybe referred to herein as a tobacco stick.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to asubstrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form anaerosol. The volatile compounds may be released by heating or combustingthe aerosol-forming substrate. As an alternative to heating orcombustion, in some cases, volatile compounds may be released by achemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus, such as ultrasound. Theaerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid or may comprise bothsolid and liquid components. An aerosol-forming substrate may be part ofan aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, the term “classifier” refers to a supervised machinelearning algorithm that analyzes training data consisting of labelledtraining examples to produce an inferred function. Each labelledtraining example is a pair consisting of an input and a correspondingknown output. The classifier should be able to generalize from trainingexamples to unseen data by classifying new features into labels.Alternatively, the term “classifier” may refer to a semi-supervisedmachine learning algorithm that analyzes training data consisting oflabelled training examples and unlabeled data to produce an inferredfunction.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provideda non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of thefeatures of these examples may be combined with any one or more featuresof another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example Ex1: A system comprising an aerosol-generating device and/or acharging device associated with an aerosol-generating device, whereinthe aerosol-generating device and/or the charging device comprise: atleast one light emitter unit; and a control module configured to adjustat least one visual characteristic of light emitted by the at least onelight emitter unit based on at least one of: a measured light intensityvalue and a local time retrieved from a timer.

Example Ex2: The system according to example Ex1, wherein theaerosol-generating device and/or the charging device further comprise acommunication interface configured to exchange data with a mobileterminal, the data comprising instructions for adjusting the at leastone visual characteristic.

Example Ex3: The system according to example Ex2, wherein the exchangingdata with a mobile terminal comprises receiving the instructions fromthe mobile terminal.

Example Ex4: The system according to example Ex2 or example Ex3, whereinthe control module is configured to adjust the at least one visualcharacteristic of light emitted by the at least one light emitter unitbased on the instructions.

Example Ex5: The system according to any of example Ex2 to example Ex4,wherein the system further comprises the mobile terminal, and whereinthe mobile terminal is configured to display a user interface forinputting the instructions.

Example Ex6: The system according to any of example Ex2 to example Ex5,wherein the instructions comprise a time setting and wherein the userinterface includes a first user interface element for inputting the timesetting.

Example Ex7: The system according to example Ex6, wherein the controlmodule is configured to adjust the at least one visual characteristic ofthe at least one light emitter unit when the local time retrieved fromthe timer corresponds to the time setting.

Example Ex8: The system according to example Ex6 or example Ex7, whereinthe first user interface element is a time picker or a date and timepicker.

Example Ex9: The system according to example Ex6 or example Ex7, whereinthe first user interface element comprises a first interactive elementand a second interactive element arranged to enable a user to define afirst period of time and a second period of time by moving the firstinteractive element and the second interactive element relative to eachother.

Example Ex10: The system according to example Ex9, wherein the firstperiod of time is associated with a first visual characteristic and thesecond period of time is associated with a second visual characteristic.

Example Ex11: The system according to example Ex9 or example Ex10,wherein the first user interface element further comprises a circularelement, and wherein the first interactive element and the secondinteractive element are configured to be moveable relative to each otheralong a circular path about the center of the circular element.

Example Ex12: The system according to example Ex6 or example Ex7,wherein the time setting comprises an event associated with a time ofday.

Example Ex13: The system according to example Ex12, wherein the event isa sunrise, a sunset or a calendar event.

Example Ex14: The system according to example Ex12 or example Ex13,wherein the time of day is obtained from a calendar application based onthe event.

Example Ex15: The system according to any of the preceding examples,wherein adjusting at least one visual characteristic comprises at leastone of adjusting a brightness characteristic of the at least one lightemitter unit, adjusting a color of light emitted by the at least onelight emitter unit, and changing a flashing pattern of light emitted bythe at least one light emitter unit.

Example Ex16: The system according to any of example Ex5 to exampleEx15, wherein the instructions comprise a visual characteristic settingfor adjusting the at least one visual characteristic, and wherein theuser interface includes a second user interface element for inputtingthe visual characteristic setting.

Example Ex17: The system according to example Ex16, wherein the controlmodule adjusts the at least one visual characteristic based on thevisual characteristic setting.

Example Ex18: The system according to example Ex16 or example Ex17,wherein the visual characteristic setting is a brightness setting, andwherein the second user interface element is a slider.

Example Ex19: The system according to any of the preceding examples,wherein the at least one light emitter unit comprises a single lightemitter.

Example Ex20: The system according to any of example Ex1 to exampleEx19, wherein the at least one light emitter unit comprises two or morelight emitters.

Example Ex21: The system according to example Ex20, wherein adjusting atleast one visual characteristic of the light emitted by the at least onelight emitter unit comprises changing a pattern of light displayed bythe two or more light emitters.

Example Ex22: The system according to any of example Ex19 to exampleEx21, wherein the light emitter is a light emitting diode.

Example Ex23: The system according to any of the preceding examples,wherein adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of the lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit based on a measured lightintensity value comprises adjusting the at least one visualcharacteristic of the at least one light emitter unit when the measuredlight intensity value is above or below a predetermined threshold value.

Example Ex24: The system according to example Ex23, wherein, when themeasured light intensity value is above the predetermined thresholdvalue, adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of the lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit comprises increasing thebrightness of the at least one light emitter unit.

Example Ex25: The system according to example Ex23, wherein, when themeasured light intensity value is below the predetermined thresholdvalue, adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of the lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit comprises decreasing thebrightness of the at least one light emitter unit.

Example Ex26: The system according to any of the preceding examples,wherein the measured light intensity value is based on an average lightintensity measured over a predetermined amount of time.

Example Ex27: The system according to any of example Ex2 to exampleEx26, wherein the exchanging data with the mobile terminal furthercomprises sending, to the mobile terminal, usage information relating tousage of at least one of the aerosol-generating device and the chargingdevice.

Example Ex28: The system according to example Ex27, wherein the usageinformation comprises information relating to the usage of theaerosol-generating device and/or the charging device.

Example Ex29: The system according to example Ex27 or example Ex28,wherein the mobile terminal comprises a processing module configured togenerate the instructions for adjusting the at least one visualcharacteristic based on the usage information.

Example Ex30: The system according to example Ex29, wherein generatingthe instructions comprises computing a time setting based on the usageinformation.

Example Ex31: The system according to example Ex27 or example Ex28,wherein generating the instructions comprises inputting at least one ofone or more time settings, one or more visual characteristic settingsand the usage information into a trained classifier.

Example Ex32: The system according to any of the preceding examples,wherein the aerosol-generating device and/or the charging device furthercomprise a light sensor for measuring the light intensity.

Example Ex33: The system according any of example Ex2 to Example Ex32,wherein the mobile terminal comprises a light sensor for measuring thelight intensity.

Example Ex34: A method of adjusting at least one visual characteristicof light emitted by the at least one light emitter unit of anaerosol-generating device and/or a charging device associated with anaerosol-generating device, the method comprising: adjusting, by acontrol module, at least one visual characteristic of light emitted bythe at least one light emitter unit based on at least one of: a measuredlight intensity value and a local time retrieved from a timer.

Example Ex35: The method according to example Ex34, further comprisingexchanging data with a mobile terminal via a communication interface,the data comprising instructions for adjusting the at least one visualcharacteristic.

Example Ex36: The method according to example Ex35, wherein theexchanging data with a mobile terminal comprises receiving theinstructions from the mobile terminal.

Example Ex37: The method according to example Ex35 or example Ex36,further comprising adjusting, by the control module, the at least onevisual characteristic of light emitted by the at least one light emitterunit based on the instructions.

Example Ex38: The method according to any of example Ex35 to exampleEx37, wherein the method further comprises displaying, by the mobileterminal, a user interface for inputting the instructions.

Example Ex39: The method according to any of example Ex35 to exampleEx38, wherein the instructions comprise a time setting and wherein theuser interface includes a first user interface element for inputting thetime setting.

Example Ex40: The method according to example Ex39, wherein adjusting atleast one visual characteristic of light emitted by the at least onelight emitter unit based on a local time retrieved from a timercomprises adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of the atleast one light emitter unit when the local time retrieved from thetimer corresponds to the time setting.

Example Ex41: The method according to example Ex39 or example Ex40,wherein the first user interface element is a time picker or a date andtime picker.

Example Ex42: The method according to example Ex39 or example Ex40,wherein the first user interface element comprises a first interactiveelement and a second interactive element arranged to enable a user todefine a first period of time and a second period of time by moving thefirst interactive element and the second interactive element relative toeach other.

Example Ex43: The method according to example Ex42, wherein the firstperiod of time is associated with a first visual characteristic and thesecond period of time is associated with a second visual characteristic.

Example Ex44: The method according to example Ex42 or example Ex43,wherein the first user interface element further comprises a circularelement, and wherein the first interactive element and the secondinteractive element are configured to be moveable relative to each otheralong a circular path about the center of the circular element.

Example Ex45: The method according to example Ex39 or example Ex40,wherein the time setting comprises an event associated with a time ofday.

Example Ex46: The method according to example Ex45, wherein the event isa sunrise, a sunset or a calendar event.

Example Ex47: The method according to example Ex45 or example Ex46,further comprising obtaining the time of day from a calendar applicationbased on the event.

Example Ex48: The method according to any of the preceding examples,wherein adjusting at least one visual characteristic comprises at leastone of adjusting a brightness characteristic of the at least one lightemitter unit, adjusting a color of light emitted by the at least onelight emitter unit, and changing a flashing pattern of light emitted bythe at least one light emitter unit.

Example Ex49: The method according to any of example Ex38 to exampleEx48, wherein the instructions comprise a visual characteristic settingfor adjusting the at least one visual characteristic, and wherein theuser interface includes a second user interface element for inputtingthe visual characteristic setting.

Example Ex50: The method according to example Ex49, further comprisingadjusting the at least one visual characteristic based on the visualcharacteristic setting.

Example Ex51: The method according to example Ex49 or example Ex50,wherein the visual characteristic setting is a brightness setting, andwherein the second user interface element is a slider.

Example Ex52: The method according to any of the preceding examples,wherein the at least one light emitter unit comprises a single lightemitter.

Example Ex53: The method according to any of example Ex34 to exampleEx50, wherein the at least one light emitter unit comprises two or morelight emitters.

Example Ex54: The method according to example Ex53, wherein adjusting atleast one visual characteristic of the light emitted by the at least onelight emitter unit comprises changing a pattern of light displayed bythe two or more light emitters.

Example Ex55: The method according to any of example Ex52 to exampleEx54, wherein the light emitter is a light emitting diode.

Example Ex56: The method according to any of the preceding examples,wherein adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of the lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit based on a measured lightintensity value comprises adjusting the at least one visualcharacteristic of the at least one light emitter unit when the measuredlight intensity value is above or below a predetermined threshold value.

Example Ex57: The method according to example Ex56, wherein, when themeasured light intensity value is above the predetermined thresholdvalue, adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of the lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit comprises increasing thebrightness of the at least one light emitter unit.

Example Ex58: The method according to example Ex56, wherein, when themeasured light intensity value is below the predetermined thresholdvalue, adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of the lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit comprises decreasing thebrightness of the at least one light emitter unit.

Example Ex59: The method according to any of the preceding examples,wherein the measured light intensity value is based on an average lightintensity measured over a predetermined amount of time.

Example Ex60: The method according to any of example Ex35 to exampleEx59, wherein the exchanging data with the mobile terminal furthercomprises sending, to the mobile terminal, usage information relating tousage of at least one of the aerosol-generating device and the chargingdevice.

Example Ex61: The method according to example Ex60, wherein the usageinformation comprises information relating to the usage of theaerosol-generating device and/or the charging device.

Example Ex62: The method according to example Ex60 or example Ex61,further comprising a generating the instructions for adjusting the atleast one visual characteristic based on the usage information.

Example Ex63: The method according to example Ex62, wherein generatingthe instructions comprises computing a time setting based on the usageinformation.

Example Ex64: The method according to example Ex62 or example Ex63,wherein generating the instructions comprises inputting at least one ofone or more time settings, one or more visual characteristic settingsand the usage information into a trained classifier.

Example Ex65: The method according to one of the preceding claims,further comprising measuring, by a light sensor of theaerosol-generating device and/or the charging device, the lightintensity.

Example Ex66: The method according to any of example Ex35 to exampleEx65, further comprising measuring, by a light sensor of the mobileterminal, the light intensity.

Example Ex67: A computer-readable storage medium havingcomputer-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed bya processor, perform the method of one of example Ex34 to example Ex66.

Example Ex68: Use of a light sensor or a timer to control a visualcharacteristic of at least one light emitter unit of anaerosol-generating device or of a charging device associated with anaerosol-generating device, by adjusting at least one visualcharacteristic of light emitted by the at least one light emitter unitbased on a value of light intensity measured by the light sensor orbased on a time output by the timer.

Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows a system comprising a device and a mobile terminal;

FIG. 2A shows an aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 2B shows an aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 3 shows a charging device associated with an aerosol-generatingdevice;

FIG. 4A shows a user interface;

FIG. 4B shows a user interface;

FIG. 5 shows a user interface;

FIG. 6 shows a user interface; and

FIG. 7 shows a method of adjusting at least one visual characteristic oflight emitted by the at least one light emitter unit of anaerosol-generating device and/or a charging device associated with anaerosol-generating device.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system comprising a device 105 and a mobileterminal 140. The device 105 and the mobile terminal 140 are configuredto communicate with each other via their respective communicationinterfaces 135 and 145. Specifically, the device 105 and the mobileterminal 140 may exchange data via their respective communicationinterfaces 135 and 145. The communication interfaces 135 and 145 may bewireless communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth communicationinterface.

The mobile terminal 140 is a computing device, for example a mobilephone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal digitalassistant. The mobile terminal 140 comprises the communication interface145, a control module 150, storage means 155, processing module 165comprising one or more processors and a display 170. The display 170 isconfigured to display a user interface for inputting instructions 155for adjusting at least one visual characteristic of light emitted by atleast one light emitter unit 110 of the device 105. Once a user hasinput the instructions into the user interface displayed by the display170, the instructions may be stored by storage means 155.

The instructions 160 may comprise one or more of a time setting and avisual characteristic setting. The visual characteristic settingcorresponds to the at least one visual characteristic of the lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit 110. The time settingcorresponds to one or more times at which at least one visualcharacteristic of light emitted by the at least one light emitter unit110 is to be adjusted. The one or more times of the time setting may bea time of day, such as a time on the 12-hour or 24-hour clock.

For example, a user may input into the user interface 8:30 AM and 9:15PM (or 08:30 and 21:15 using the 24-hour clock) as a time settingmeaning that at least one visual characteristic of light emitted by theat least one light emitter unit 110 is to be adjusted at 8:30am and at9:15pm.

Alternatively or in addition, a user may input an event such as“sunrise” or “sunset” into the user interface as a time setting meaningthat at least one visual characteristic of light emitted by the at leastone light emitter unit 110 is to be adjusted at sunrise and at sunset.The control module 150 may compute a time of day corresponding to theevent at the location of the device based on the event and timeinformation received from a calendar application, such as an earthcalendar application.

In addition, an event input into the user interface may include acalendar event. Calendar events may comprise event obtained from acalendar application installed on the mobile terminal 140. For example,a user may select as a time setting an appointment or event stored bythe calendar application. The control module 150 may compute a time ofday based on the event and time information corresponding to theselected appointment or event received from the calendar application.

The device 105 comprises the at least one light emitter unit 110, atimer 115, a control module 120, storage means 125, a light sensor 130and the communication interface 135. The device 105 receives theinstructions 160 from the mobile terminal 140 via the communicationinterface 135. The instructions 160 may be stored by the storage means125. The control module 120 is configured to adjust at least one visualcharacteristic of the light emitted by the at least one light emitterunit 110 based on the received instructions 160.

The at least one light emitter unit 110 comprises one or more lightemitters, for example light emitting diodes. The at least one lightemitter unit may additionally or alternatively be a display screen.Adjusting the at least one visual characteristic of the light emitted bythe at least one light emitter unit 110 comprises at least one ofadjusting a brightness characteristic of the at least one light emitterunit, adjusting a color of light emitted by the at least one lightemitter unit 110 and changing a flashing pattern of light emitted by theat least one light emitter unit 110. A brightness characteristic of theat least one light emitter unit 110 may be the brightness of lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit 110. When the lightemitter unit 110 comprises a plurality of light emitters, adjusting theat least one visual characteristic of the light emitted by the at leastone light emitter unit 110 may additionally or alternatively comprisechanging a pattern of light displayed by the plurality of lightemitters.

The control module 120 may adjust the at least one visual characteristicof the at least one light emitter unit 110 based a local time retrievedfrom a timer 115. The control module 120 may periodically retrieve thelocal time from the timer 115 and compare the retrieved local time tothe time setting in the received instructions. When the control module120 determines that the local time is the same as a time of the timesetting, the control module 120 adjusts at least one visualcharacteristic of light emitted by the at least one light emitter unit110. Each time of the time setting may be associated with a visualcharacteristic setting. Accordingly, when the control module 120determines that the local time is the same as a time of the timesetting, the control module 120 adjusts the at least one visualcharacteristic in accordance with the visual characteristic settingassociated with the time of the time setting.

For example, continuing the example above, the user has input a timesetting having two clock times of 8:30 AM and 9:15 PM (or 08:30 and21:15 using the 24-hour clock). The clock time of 8:30 AM may beassociated with a first visual characteristic setting, such asincreasing the brightness of the at least one light emitter unit 110.The clock time of 9:15 PM may be associated with a second visualcharacteristic setting, such as decreasing the brightness of the atleast one light emitter unit 110.

When the control module 120 detects that the local time retrieved fromthe timer 115 is 8:30 AM, the control module 120 increases thebrightness of the at least one light emitter unit 110. When the controlmodule 120 detects that the local time retrieved from the timer 115 is9:15 PM, the control module 120 decreases the brightness of the at leastone light emitter unit 110.

In addition or alternatively, the control module 120 may adjust the atleast one visual characteristic of the at least one light emitter unit110 based on a light intensity value measured by a light sensor 130. Forexample, the light sensor 130 is configured to measure a lightintensity, specifically an ambient light intensity of the environment inwhich the device 105 is located. The light sensor 130 is configured toprovide a value of the measured light intensity to the control module120. The control module 120 determines whether the light intensity valuereceived from the light sensor 130 is above or below a predeterminedlight intensity threshold value.

The predetermined light intensity threshold value may be stored in thestorage means 125. The predetermined light intensity threshold may bestored as part of a control program installed on the device 105 duringmanufacturing or the initial configuration of the device 105.Alternatively or in addition, the predetermined light intensitythreshold value may be received from the mobile terminal 140, forexample as part of instructions 160. When the received instructions 160comprise predetermined light intensity threshold value, thepredetermined light intensity threshold value may be input by a userthrough the user interface displayed on the display 170.

The control module 120 may adjust the visual characteristic in responseto receiving a single measured light intensity value. Alternatively, thecontrol module may compute, based on a plurality of received measuredlight intensity values, an average light intensity measured by the lightsensor over a predetermined period of time (such as a number of minutes)and the control module may adjust the visual characteristic based on thecomputed average light intensity.

When the control module 120 determines that the measured light intensityvalue is above or below the predetermined threshold value, the controlmodule 120 adjusts at least one visual characteristic of the lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit 110. For example, whenthe control module 120 determines that the measured light intensityvalue is above the predetermined threshold value, the control module 120may increase the brightness of the at least one light emitter unit 110so that the at least one light emitter unit 110 remains visible when theambient light is bright. When the control module 120 determines that themeasured light intensity value is below the predetermined thresholdvalue, the control module 120 may decrease the brightness of the atleast one light emitter unit 110 so that the at least one light emitterunit 110 remains visible when the ambient light is low.

The device 105 may additionally provide usage information relating tousage of the device 105 to the mobile terminal 140. Specifically, thedevice 105 may send the usage information to the mobile terminal 140 viathe communication interface 135. Usage information may includeinformation relating to usage of the device 105. For example, usageinformation may include information relating to the times of day thatthe device is switched on, switched off or otherwise operated by theuser. The storage means 155 of the mobile terminal 140 may store theusage information.

The processing module 165 may process the received usage information togenerate instructions for adjusting at least one visual characteristicof the light emitter unit 110 of the device 105. In addition oralternatively, the processing module 165 may process at least one of oneor more time settings and one or more visual characteristic settings togenerate instructions for adjusting at least one visual characteristicof the light emitter unit 110 of the device 105.

Specifically, the processing module may generate instructions foradjusting at least one visual characteristic of the light emitter unit110 of the device 105 using any suitable algorithm stored by storagemeans 155. For example, the instructions may be generated by inputtingat least one of one or more time settings, one or more visualcharacteristic settings and usage information into a trained classifier.

Accordingly, the processing module 165 may compute a time setting, andoptionally a visual characteristic setting, based on at least one of theusage information, the one or more time settings and the one or morevisual characteristic settings. For example, if the device 105 isoperated by the user at 6 AM every day, the processing module 165 maycause instructions to be generated that increase the brightness of lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit at 5:55 AM every day sothat the status of the device 105 is clearly visible to the user whenthe user usually operates the device 105.

The generated instructions may be stored by storage means 155 and sentto device 105 alternatively to or as a part of the instructions 160received from the user interface.

The device 105 may be an aerosol-generating device, such as theaerosol-generating device 200A illustrated in FIG. 2A or theaerosol-generating device 200B illustrated in FIG. 2B. The device 105may be a charging device for receiving an aerosol-generating device,such as the charging device 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 .

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3 , the aerosol-generating device200A, the aerosol-generating device 200B and the charging device 300 mayeach comprise the at least one light emitter unit 110, the timer 115,the control module 120, the storage means 125, the light sensor 130 andthe communication interface 135 discussed above in relation to FIG. 1 .However the mobile terminal 140 may additionally or alternativelyinclude a light sensor for measuring the light intensity value. Theaerosol-generating device 200A is configured to receive anaerosol-generating article 220.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the aerosol-generating device 200A furthercomprises a cavity 210 for receiving the aerosol-generating article 220.The aerosol-generating article 220 may comprise an aerosol formingsubstrate. The aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generatingarticle 220 may be a solid, such as a tobacco stick. Theaerosol-generating device 200A further comprises a heating element 230.The heating element 230 is configured to heat the aerosol formingsubstrate to form an aerosol.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the aerosol-generating device 200B isconfigured to receive a cartridge 280. In particular, theaerosol-generating device 200B further comprises a cavity 270 forreceiving the cartridge 280. The cartridge 280 may comprise an aerosolforming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge 280may be a liquid. The aerosol-generating device 200B further comprises aheating element 290. The heating element 290 is configured to heat theaerosol forming substrate to form an aerosol.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating device 200A and theaerosol-generating device 200B each comprise a power supply configuredto supply power to the respective heating elements 230 and 290. Thepower supply preferably comprises a power source 240. Preferably, thepower source 240 is a battery, such as a lithium ion battery. As analternative, the power source 240 may be another form of charge storagedevice such as a capacitor. The power source 240 may require recharging.For example, the power source 240 may have sufficient capacity to allowfor the continuous generation of aerosol for a period of around sixminutes or for a period that is a multiple of six minutes. In anotherexample, the power source 240 may have sufficient capacity to allow fora predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heaterassembly. The aerosol-generating device 200A and the aerosol-generatingdevice 200B may each comprise a power contact 250 for recharging thepower supply 240.

The power supply may comprise control electronics. The controlelectronics may comprise a microcontroller. The microcontroller ispreferably a programmable microcontroller. The electric circuitry maycomprise further electronic components. The electric circuitry may beconfigured to regulate a supply of power to the heater assembly. Powermay be supplied to the heater assembly continuously following activationof the system or may be supplied intermittently, such as on apuff-by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the heater assembly inthe form of pulses of electrical current.

The power source 240 may be recharged using a charging device, such asthe charging device 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 . The charging device 300further comprises a cavity 310 that is configured to receive anaerosol-generating device, such as aerosol-generating device 200A andaerosol-generating device 200B. Within the cavity 310 there may be apower contact 320 configured to contact with a corresponding powercontact of the aerosol-generating device. Specifically, when theaerosol-generating device 200A or the aerosol-generating device 200B isreceived within the cavity 310, the power contact 250 contacts with thepower contact 330 so that the charging device 300 can charge therechargeable power source 240 of the aerosol-generating device 200A orthe aerosol-generating device 200B.

In addition, the charging device 300 and the aerosol-generating device200A or 200B may be configured to exchange data with each other. Forexample, the charging device 300 and the aerosol-generating device 200Aor 200B may be configured to exchange data with each other wirelessly.For example, the charging device 300 and the aerosol-generating device200A or 200B may exchange data via their respective communicationmodules 135.

Additionally or alternatively, the charging device 300 may each comprisea data contact interface 330 for communicating with theaerosol-generating device 200A and the aerosol-generating device 200B.Referring back to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the aerosol-generating device 200Aand the aerosol-generating device 200B are illustrated as comprisingdata contact interface 260. When the aerosol-generating device 200A orthe aerosol-generating device 200B is received within the cavity 310,the data contact interface 330 contacts with the data contact interface260 and data may be exchanged. For example, the aerosol-generatingdevice 200A or 200B may communicate data, such as the usage data, to thecharging device 300 via the data contact interfaces 260 and 330.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a user interface 400 displayed on the display170 of mobile terminal 140 for inputting instructions for adjusting theat least one visual characteristic. The user interface 400 comprises afirst user interface element 410 for inputting the time setting. Asillustrated in FIG. 4 , the first user interface element 410 comprises atime picker for inputting a 24-hour clock time. The time pickercomprises scrollable lists of distinct values, each of which has asingle selected value appearing in a contrasting text at the center ofthe first user interface element 410. In the example illustrated in FIG.4 , the time picker comprises a first scrollable list of 24 valuesrepresenting hours and a second scrollable list of 60 valuesrepresenting minutes. However, it will be appreciated that the timepicker may enable the inputting of a 12-hour clock time. It will also beappreciated that the time picker may enable the inputting of both a dateand a time.

The user interface 400 further comprises a second user interface element420 for inputting a visual characteristic setting. As illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the visual characteristic setting is a brightness levelsetting of the at least one light emitter unit 110. As illustrated inFIG. 4A, the second user interface element 420A comprises two buttons430A and 430B indicating a percentage that corresponds to a brightnesslevel of the at least one light emitter unit 110. A brightness level of100 percent (button 430A) indicates the maximum brightness of the lightemitter unit. A brightness level of 50 percent (button 430B) indicates abrightness level of 50 percent of the maximum brightness of the lightemitter unit. The user may select a button 430 in order to set thedesired brightness of the at least one light emitter unit 110.

Although the second user interface element 420A is illustrated twobuttons 430A and 430B, it is to be understood that the second userinterface element 420A may comprise any number of buttons. For example,the second user interface element 420A may comprise four buttons so thatthe user may select a brightness corresponding to 25 percent, 50percent, 75 percent or 100 percent of the maximum brightness.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the second user interface element 420B is awheel-type user interface element that enables the user to vary thepercentage in a continuous way from 0% to 100%. The second userinterface element 420B comprises a circular element 440 that displayspercentage values around the circumference of the second and 440 and aninteractive element 450. The user may interact with the interactiveelement 452 slight the interactive element 450 around the circularelement 440 in order to select a desired percentage brightness.Additionally or alternatively, the user interface 400 may comprise asecond user interface element that is a slider, thereby enabling theuser to vary the brightness level in a continuous way from 0 percent ofthe maximum to 100 percent.

Accordingly, the user is able to schedule a time of day when the userwishes a reduction or an increase in brightness level of the at leastone light emitter unit 110. For example, the user may schedulebrightness of the at least one light emitter unit 110 to be reduced by50 percent at 10 PM to avoid the inconvenience of having a bright lightat night when the user goes to bed, while still enabling monitoring ofthe status of the device 105.

Although FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the user interface 400 for inputtinga single time and a single percentage value, it will be appreciated thatthe user interface 400 may enable the user to schedule the brightnesslevel for a plurality of times. For example, the user may choose 25percent brightness from 10 PM to 6 AM, 50 percent brightness from sixand 7 AM, 75 percent brightness from 7 AM to 8 AM and 100 percentbrightness from 8 AM to 10 PM.

FIG. 5 illustrates a user interface 500 displayed on the display 170 ofmobile terminal 140 for inputting instructions for adjusting the atleast one visual characteristic. The user interface 500 comprises afirst user interface element 510 for inputting the time setting and asecond user interface element 540 and a third user interface element 550for inputting the visual characteristic setting. The first userinterface element 510 is a wheel-type user interface comprising acircular element 520, a first interactive element 530A and a secondinteractive element 530B. Numbers associated with a time of day aredisplayed adjacent to and around the circumference of the circularelement 520. The user may interact with the first interactive element530A and the second interactive element 530B to move the firstinteractive element 530A and the second interactive element 530Brelative to each other along a circular path about the center of thecircular element 520. By moving the first interactive element 530A andthe second interactive element 530B relative to each other, the userdefines a first period of time and a second period of time. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the first period of time defined by theposition of the first interactive element 530A and the secondinteractive element 530B is from 21:00 to 06:00 and the second period oftime defined by the position of the first interactive element 530A andthe second interactive element 530B is from 06:00 to 21:00.

The first period of time may be associated with a first visualcharacteristic and the second period of time may be associated with asecond visual characteristic. As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the visualcharacteristic is a brightness characteristic of the at least one lightemitter unit 110. The second user interface element 540 and the thirduser interface element 550 are sliders that the user may interact within order to select a percentage brightness. The sliders comprise ahorizontal track with a control (illustrated as a solid circle) which auser slides to move between a maximum value and a minimum value ofpercentage brightness. Left and right icons illustrate the meaning ofthe minimum and maximum values, illustrated here as 0 percent and 100percent. The second user interface element 540 may be associated withthe first period of time and the third user interface element 550 may beassociated with the second period of time. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 5 , the user has set the brightness level to 25 percent between21:00 and 06:00 and the user has set the brightness to 75 percentbetween 06:00 and 21:00.

FIG. 6 illustrates a user interface 600 displayed on the display 170 ofmobile terminal 140 for inputting instructions for adjusting the atleast one visual characteristic.

The user interface 600 comprises a first user interface element 610 forinputting an event into the user interface as a time setting. The firstuser interface element 610 comprises a list of events (event 1 to eventN), where each event has a corresponding check box. A user may select anevent by selecting the check box (indicated by the cross next “event 2”in FIG. 6 ) in order to input the event as a time setting. As will beappreciated, however, any suitable user interface element may be usedfor selecting an event, such as radio buttons, a drop-down menu, ascrollable list of events and so on.

As discussed above, the event may be an event such as “sunrise” or“sunset” meaning that at least one visual characteristic of lightemitted by the at least one light emitter unit 110 is to be adjusted atsunrise and at sunset. The control module 150 may obtain a time of daycorresponding to the event at the location of the device from a calendarapplication, such as an earth calendar application.

In addition, an event input into the user interface may include acalendar event. Calendar events may comprise event obtained from acalendar application installed on the mobile terminal 140. For example,a user may select as a time setting an appointment or event stored bythe calendar application. The control module 150 may obtain a time ofday corresponding to the selected appointment or event from the calendarapplication.

The user may select the visual characteristic associated with the timesetting using the second user interface element 620. The second userinterface element 620 is illustrated in FIG. 6 as a slider for selectinga brightness level, such as the sliders 540 and 550 described inrelation to FIG. 5 above. However, it is to be appreciated that anysuitable user interface element may be used to select the visualcharacteristic setting.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of adjusting the at least one visiblecharacteristic of the light emitter unit. The method may be performed bythe device 105 as described above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 6 .

The method begins at step 710 where instructions 160 are received by thecontrol module 120. As described above, the instructions 160 arereceived from the mobile terminal 140. The instructions comprise atleast one of a time setting and a visual characteristic setting.

At step 720 the control module monitors a timer 115. In addition oralternatively, the control module 120 monitors values of light intensitymeasured by the light sensor 130.

At step 730 the control module 120 detects whether a predeterminedcondition associated with at least one of the time setting and thevisual characteristic setting has been met. The predetermined conditionmay comprise a local time at the timer 115 corresponding to the timesetting. The predetermined condition may comprise a measured lightintensity value being above or below a predetermined threshold value. Ifthe control module does not detect that a predetermined condition hasbeen met, the method returns to step 720 and the control module 120continues monitoring. If a predetermined condition has been met, themethod continues to step 740.

At step 740, the control module 120 adjusts at least one visualcharacteristic of the at least one light emitter unit as describedabove.

Some or all of the method steps described above with regard to FIG. 7may be implemented by a computer in that they are executed by (or using)a processor, a microprocessor, an electronic circuit or processingcircuitry. For example, the implementation can be performed using anon-transitory storage medium such as a computer-readable storagemedium. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that canbe accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system.

Generally, examples can be implemented as a computer program productwith a program code or computer-executable instructions, the programcode or computer-executable instructions being operative for performingone of the methods when the computer program product runs on a computer.The program code or the computer-executable instructions may, forexample, be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.

In an example, a storage medium (or a data carrier, or acomputer-readable medium) comprises, stored thereon, the computerprogram or the computer-executable instructions for performing one ofthe methods described herein when it is performed by a processor. In afurther example, an apparatus comprises one or more processors and thestorage medium mentioned above.

In a further example, an apparatus comprises means, for exampleprocessing circuitry like e.g. a processor communicating with a memory,the means being configured to, or adapted to, perform one of the methodsdescribed herein.

A further example comprises a computer having installed thereon thecomputer program or instructions for performing one of the methodsdescribed herein.

The specific embodiments and examples described above illustrate but donot limit the invention. It is to be understood that other embodimentsof the invention may be made and the specific embodiments and examplesdescribed herein are not exhaustive.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims,except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts,quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as beingmodified in all instances by the term “about”. Also, all ranges includethe maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediateranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.In this context, a number A may be considered to include numericalvalues that are within general standard error for the measurement of theproperty that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances asused in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumeratedabove provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materiallyaffect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention.Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed andinclude any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not bespecifically enumerated herein.

The specific embodiments and examples described above illustrate but donot limit the invention. It is to be understood that other embodimentsof the invention may be made and the specific embodiments and examplesdescribed herein are not exhaustive.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A system, comprising: an aerosol-generating devicearranged to interact with a tobacco stick and/or comprising a chargingdevice associated with an aerosol-generating device, wherein theaerosol-generating device and/or the charging device comprise: at leastone light emitter, a control module configured to adjust at least onevisual characteristic of light emitted by the at least one light emitterbased on a local time retrieved from a timer, and a communicationinterface configured to exchange data with a mobile terminal, the datacomprising instructions for adjusting the at least one visualcharacteristic; and the mobile terminal, wherein the mobile terminal isconfigured to display a user interface for inputting the instructions,wherein the instructions comprise a time setting, and wherein the userinterface includes a first user interface element for inputting the timesetting.
 17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the first userinterface element comprises a first interactive element and a secondinteractive element arranged to enable a user to define a first periodof time and a second period of time by moving the first interactiveelement and the second interactive element relative to each other, andwherein the first period of time is associated with a first visualcharacteristic and the second period of time is associated with a secondvisual characteristic.
 18. The system according to claim 17, wherein thefirst user interface element further comprises a circular element, andwherein the first interactive element and the second interactive elementare configured to be moveable relative to each other along a circularpath about the center of the circular element.
 19. The system accordingto claim 16, wherein the time setting comprises an event associated witha time of day, and wherein the time of day is obtained from a calendarapplication based on the event.
 20. The system according to claim 16,wherein the control module is further configured to adjust the at leastone visual characteristic of the at least one light emitter when thelocal time retrieved from the timer corresponds to the time setting. 21.The system according to claim 16, wherein the control module is furtherconfigured to adjust at least one visual characteristic of light emittedby the at least one light emitter based on a measured light intensityvalue, and wherein adjusting the at least one visual characteristic ofthe light emitted by the at least one light emitter based on a measuredlight intensity value comprises adjusting the at least one visualcharacteristic of the at least one light emitter when the lightintensity value is above or below a predetermined threshold value. 22.The system according to claim 16, wherein the control module is furtherconfigured to adjust at least one visual characteristic of light emittedby the at least one light emitter based on a measured light intensityvalue, and wherein adjusting at least one visual characteristic of lightemitted by the at least one light emitter comprises adjusting abrightness characteristic of the at least one light emitter.
 23. Amethod of adjusting at least one visual characteristic of light emittedby at least one light emitter of an aerosol-generating device arrangedto interact with a tobacco stick and/or at least one light emitter of acharging device associated with an aerosol-generating device, the methodcomprising: adjusting, by a control module, at least one visualcharacteristic of light emitted by the at least one light emitter basedon a local time retrieved from a timer; exchanging data with a mobileterminal via a communication interface, the data comprising instructionsfor adjusting the at least one visual characteristic; and displaying, bythe mobile terminal, a user interface for inputting the instructions,wherein the instructions comprise a time setting, and wherein the userinterface includes a first user interface element for inputting the timesetting.
 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the exchangingdata with a mobile terminal comprises receiving the instructions fromthe mobile terminal.
 25. The method according to claim 23, wherein theinstructions comprise a visual characteristic setting for adjusting theat least one visual characteristic, and wherein the user interfaceincludes a second user interface element for inputting the visualcharacteristic setting.
 26. The method according to claim 25, whereinthe visual characteristic setting is a brightness setting, and whereinthe second user interface element is a slider.
 27. The method accordingto claim 23, wherein the time setting comprises an event associated witha time of day associated with an event, and wherein the method furthercomprises obtaining the time of day from a calendar application based onthe event.
 28. The method according to claim 23, further comprisingadjusting, by the control module, the at least one visual characteristicof light emitted by the at least one light emitter based on a measuredlight intensity value, wherein the adjusting the at least one visualcharacteristic of the light emitted by the at least one light emitterbased on a measured light intensity value comprises adjusting the atleast one visual characteristic of the at least one light emitter whenthe light intensity value is above or below a predetermined thresholdvalue.
 29. A nontransitory computer-readable storage medium comprisingcomputer-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed bya processor, perform the method according to claim
 23. 30. A method ofcontrolling a visual characteristic of at least one light emitter of anaerosol-generating device arranged to interact with a tobacco stick orat least one light emitter of a charging device associated with anaerosol-generating device, the method comprising adjusting at least onevisual characteristic of light emitted by the at least one light emitterwhen a local time output by a timer corresponds to a time settingreceived from a mobile terminal.